Your guide to adaptations

Inside:

Need-to-know handy details about adaptation types

Step-by-step guide to leasing your Motability with adaptations

Questions answered our customers most frequently asked adaptations questions Watch our adaptations film clips motability.co.uk/adaptationsfilms

Who’s involved We are Motability Operations Ltd, a company authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. All Motability Scheme are leased to customers by us. Motability, the charity, oversees and sets policy for the Motability Scheme. If customers are unable to afford the right mobility solution to meet their needs, Motability may be able to provide financial help. Hello and welcome to our adaptations guide Adaptations are a range This guide is designed to of devices that can be fitted explain the basic functions to your car, typically falling of some of our most popular into three categories: to adaptations, and get you help you drive, to help you on the road to finding stow your wheelchair or the right answers to your scooter and to help you get mobility needs. We’ll take in and out of your car. Today you through each stage over 40,000 customers have step-by-step, from getting adaptations fitted to their the right advice, to ordering , to make their or adaptations for your travelling experience easier Motability car. and more comfortable. Our advice Many cars now have standard features Driving such as automatic Adaptations , push to help improve your button ignition, auto driving experience wipers, auto lights and parking sensors, all of 1 which can help make driving or travelling Stowage easier. Speak to your Adaptations Motability dealer about to stow your scooter how these features or wheelchair could help improve your experience. 2 You can find your nearest dealer by Access visiting our website Adaptations at motability.co.uk to help you get in 3 and out of the car Ordering Adaptations a helpful guide to 4 the process Driving 1 Adaptations Driving adaptations help with speed control, steering and signalling. They vary from simple attachments, to replacing all existing controls with a system individually designed for you. In most cases the original controls can still be used with adaptations in place, so nominated drivers can still use the car. It’s important to remember that most driving adaptations require an automatic gearbox, and you must ensure you are able to control the safely when using any adaptations. The next few pages highlight some of our most popular driving devices. Speed control

Push/pull device

A push/pull device is a good option if you find it difficult to use standard foot pedals to accelerate and . You just pull the control towards you to accelerate, then push away to brake. If you think a push/pull device may be right for you, it is important to be aware that push/pull devices are designed for use with automatic gearboxes only. Driving Speed control 1 Adaptations

Electronic accelerators

If you have limited Trigger accelerator mobility in your legs With a trigger accelerator or find push/pull hand you pull with your finger controls take too much to accelerate, and push effort, an electronic away to brake. accelerator may help. These enable you to accelerate by pressing on a ring positioned Over ring accelerator either in front of or The over ring accelerator behind the steering is fitted in front of the wheel, or by simply . You push it pulling on a trigger down towards the steering device. All electronic wheel to accelerate. accelerators come with a hand operated brake.

Under ring accelerator Our advice The under ring accelerator is fitted behind the There are a number of Electronic Accelerators. steering wheel. You pull To find out which would it towards the steering be most suitable for wheel to accelerate. you, speak to your adaptation installer.

Ghost ring accelerator The ghost ring accelerator is fitted behind the steering wheel. You control the speed by using your fingers in side to side movements. Find a choice of adaptation installers near you at motability.co.uk/adaptations. Or call one of our team who will be happy to help 0800 093 1000

Left foot accelerators

If you have limited Floor-mounted accelerator mobility in your right A floor-mounted accelerator is fitted to the left of the brake, leg and cannot use the so that you are able to use your left foot to accelerate. standard accelerator A pedal guard is fitted over the original pedal whilst the new comfortably, you may accelerator pedal is being used. benefit from having a left foot accelerator fitted. This will allow you to control the speed with your left foot, while the original accelerator is safely out of the way.

Our advice If you have never driven with a left foot accelerator Twin-flip accelerator it is important to speak A twin-flip accelerator is a second pedal fitted to the left of the to your adaptations brake pedal, enabling you to use your left foot to accelerate. installer or a Mobility The original pedal folds away. In most cases, this can still be Centre for advice. used if your nominated driver does not require adaptations. Driving Steering and Signalling 1 Adaptations

Steering aids

If you have difficulty holding or turning a standard steering wheel, there are a number of simple solutions that may well help you. Steering ball If you have hand controls fitted, a steering ball is often essential, as it enables you to steer the car with one hand, while operating hand controls with the other. You can combine a steering ball with a remote control device to assist with other functions such as headlights and indicators. Many can be easily attached and removed.

Our advice If you find using a steering wheel difficult, or it makes your arms tired on longer journeys, lightened, power-assisted steering could help and comes as standard on the majority of new cars. You should speak to your dealer to find out more. Find a choice of adaptation installers near you at motability.co.uk/adaptations. Or call one of our team who will be happy to help 0800 093 1000

Signalling and general aids

If you struggle to Built-in indicator switch Easy release handbrake reach or operate a An indicator switch can be If you have difficulty car’s standard controls added to your hand controls. operating a standard such as the indicator, This simple addition allows handbrake, an easy release handbrake or foot you to operate the indicators handbrake reduces the lever by flicking a switch, whilst grip required and eliminates pedals, there are remaining safely in control the use of the thumb to simple adaptations of your car. depress the button. to make things easier.

Remote control devices Remote control devices help make it easier to operate some of your standard car controls, such as the indicators, windscreen wipers and headlights. Pedal extensions If you have difficulty reaching Our advice foot pedals when driving, If you find using a you could have them handbrake difficult, many extended, bringing them new car models feature closer to you. This will give an electronic handbrake you more comfort while as standard. You should controlling the car with ease. speak to your dealer to find out more. Stowage 2 Adaptations The best way to lift your wheelchair or scooter into your car is with a stowage system, such as a boot hoist or rooftop stowage unit. Both options work at the touch of a button, taking the weight of the wheelchair or scooter, helping you guide the product into either your car boot, or your rooftop stowage unit. Find a choice of adaptation installers near you at motability.co.uk/adaptations. Or call one of our team who will be happy to help 0800 093 1000

Car boot and rooftop stowage

Your wheelchair or scooter A car roof top stowage will affect the type of boot unit could be a solution hoist you need and the if you transport a manual space required. So you wheelchair, and need should take your product to use your boot to store to the dealership, so as other items. They can they can make sure the 2-way hoist usually be installed on cars you are considering either the passenger or 2-way hoists are for lighter will fit the hoist type you wheelchairs. They operate driver side. need. Adding a boot hoist with an up and down action to a car also offers you an only, so you will need to alternative to a Wheelchair push the wheelchair into the Accessible Vehicle (WAV). boot by hand, then secure the product using tie-downs. Although generally for use with smaller products, the rear seats may still need to be part or fully folded flat, Rooftop stowage unit so again this is an important A rooftop stowage unit consideration when deciding allows you to store a folded, which hoist is best for you. lightweight manual wheelchair, in a box, on the roof of your car. 4-way hoist An electric hoist lifts the folded Our advice 4-way hoists are ideal if you wheelchair from the ground need to transport a scooter or Your dealer will need and then manoeuvres it into larger wheelchair. They help to know the height and the rooftop box. move the product in and out weight of your product. of the boot at the touch of a Also, due to the complex button, although you will also nature of boot hoists, it is need to guide the product by important that you speak hand. In many cases, your with your adaptation product will only fit with one installer to discuss how they work. or more rear seats folded down. You may also need to dismantle your scooter. Access 3 Adaptations When considering how to access your car as a wheelchair user, a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle is not the only option and there are a number of adaptations that can be installed on a standard car. Our adaptation installers will be happy to arrange a no-obligation demonstration and will advise which cars will be suitable. Find a choice of adaptation installers near you at motability.co.uk/adaptations. Or call one of our team who will be happy to help 0800 093 1000

Getting in and out of your car

Transfer plates Electric person hoist Swivel seats A transfer plate is fitted to The electric person hoist A permanent swivel seat the side of the car seat and includes a permanent turns, and in some cases provides a smooth surface mount fitted to the car, moves in and out of the between the wheelchair and three sections that clip car, then lowers or tips, to the car seat to help you with together and form a frame make getting in and out of the transfer. Once you have and a specially designed the seat easier. Manual and transferred into the vehicle canvas sling seat. powered versions are available. and are comfortable, the The sling is then slipped Remember, you may need transfer plate can simply onto the hoist, which is help putting your wheelchair be folded out of the way. raised electronically. in the boot if you are not able Transfer plates can be either Once you are seated in to do it yourself. manual or electric, however the car, the frame of the Wheelchair swivel seats are electric versions cost more. hoist can be removed and also available. They are made stowed in the boot, but up of two parts and allow your the sling remains in place, wheelchair base to connect to Our advice making it easier to reverse a specially designed car seat. the process at the end of Wheelchair swivel seats cannot To use a transfer plate the journey. be operated independently, it is essential that you as you will need someone to consider your upper body help put the wheelchair base strength, as you’ll need to into position and store it once be able to transfer yourself you are in the car. out of your wheelchair, onto the transfer plate and back again. Note: Swivel seats can only be fitted in some cars. Please speak to one of our adaptation installers that specialises in swivel seat installations, who will happily advise on vehicle choices. Ordering 4 Adaptations The following pages will help explain the process of choosing and ordering a car fitted with adaptations, including the best steps to take to make sure you drive away with the most suitable combination of car and adaptations. On page 18 you’ll find a useful list of frequently asked questions, but if there’s anything else you would like to know please find more detailed information at motability.co.uk/adaptations. Find a choice of adaptation installers near you at motability.co.uk/adaptations. Or call one of our team who will be happy to help 0800 093 1000

Getting a Motability car with adaptations

You can apply to lease You can adapt your Adapting your car a product through the Motability car at the during your lease Motability Scheme if start of your lease If you need to add adaptations you receive one of the or during your lease. during your lease, you will following allowances, need to pay the cost of any Adapting your car at adaptations directly to the and have at least 12 the start of your lease adaptation installer. If you months remaining: The easiest and most cost are considering adding an Higher Rate Mobility effective way of adapting adaptation to help make Component of the your car is at the start of driving or travelling easier, Disability Living your lease. We currently please make sure you contact Allowance (HRMC of DLA) have around 350 different our Customer Services team adaptations available on 0300 456 4566 and Enhanced Rate of the through our Motability RSA Motability (RSAM) on Mobility Component of Managed Adaptations 0300 037 3737 before you Personal Independence Programme. get any adaptations fitted, Payment (ERMC of PIP) to ensure your insurance What is the Motability War Pensioners’ Mobility covers this. Managed Adaptations Supplement (WPMS) Programme (MMAP)? Armed Forces The MMAP is available to Independence both new and renewing Payment (AFIP) customers, when fitted before the start of your lease. Many of our most popular adaptations can be fitted to your car at no extra cost, whilst others will require payment, which can be paid directly to your car dealer prior to you taking delivery of your new car. There are just three simple steps to choosing the adaptations and car that best suit your needs

If you’ve never driven a car with adaptations, you should consider visiting a Mobility Centre. There are 17 Mobility Centres across the UK, each employing qualified occupational therapists and driving instructors. They will provide you with an independent assessment, as well as practical driving experience in a car fitted with adaptations, to help you understand the types of adaptations you may need to improve your driving or travelling experience. Call our Customer Services team on 0300 456 4566 if you would like to arrange a Mobility Centre assessment before speaking to an adaptation installer or dealer.

16 motability.co.uk Find a choice of adaptation installers near you at motability.co.uk/adaptations. Or call one of our team who will be happy to help 0800 093 1000

There’s over 100 adaptation installers First... across the UK who supply the Motability Scheme. You can find their contact details Speak to a Motability and information about the adaptations they adaptation installer and provide at motability.co.uk/adaptations discuss your needs or call 0800 093 1000. Remember, the adaptations you need may not be suitable for all cars. Speak to your installer about which cars are most likely to work for you with your chosen adaptations.

With a huge selection of cars to choose from, Then... there’s bound to be one that suits your needs, budget and the adaptations you require. Visit a Motability There are nearly 5,000 dealers across the UK dealer and choose with trained Motability specialists who will be your car happy to talk you through your options. You can search for local dealers in your area, and find up-to-date pricing for all the cars on the Scheme at motability.co.uk/findadealer.

Once you have chosen your adaptations and Finally... car, your Motability dealer will complete the Order your new simple online ordering process with you. Motability car and They will work with a preferred installer to ensure that your brand new car is fitted adaptations with the adaptations you need before it’s delivered. You can also arrange a free introductory session to help you get used to using your new adaptations. Simply speak to your dealer when you place the order. Adaptations... your questions answered

Q. Can I buy adaptations Q. Can I transfer an Q. I am part way through my without involving my dealer? adaptation from my old car? current lease. Can I order A. Ordering adaptations through A. This may be possible as long adaptations for my new car? your dealer when you order as the adaptations are suitable A. If you think you would benefit your car is the only way to for your new car. If you had your from an adaptation for your take advantage of the great adaptations fitted through the current Motability car you should prices offered through the MMAP at the start of your lease, first call our Customer Services Motability Managed Adaptations then you may have the option team on 0300 456 4566 and Programme (MMAP). You can of transferring them from your they will advise you on the steps arrange adaptations yourself, existing vehicle to your next that you need to take. You will but only through a Motability Motability car at no extra cost, also need to inform RSAM by adaptation installer and you providing they are still suitable calling 0300 037 3737 to make will need to pay the cost of any for your needs and for your new sure you are covered by your such adaptations directly to the vehicle. For more information, insurance policy. You will have to installer. Remember to contact talk to your adaptation installer pay for the adaptation yourself our Customer Services team and or call us on 0300 456 4566. and payment will need to be RSA Motability (RSAM) first, to Q. Can I get any financial made directly to the installer. Your ensure your insurance covers this. help with the cost of adaptation installer will inform you of how long the installation Q. Am I able to get more adaptations? process will take. Remember than one adaptation A. Many of our adaptations are – only a Motability adaptation through the MMAP? available at no additional cost, installer should fit and/or remove A. Yes, once you’ve spoken to but if you are unable to afford adaptations. your adaptation installer and essential adaptations Motability, know which adaptations you the charity, may be able to help. Q. I’ve never had adaptations need, your dealer will take To ensure their limited funds go before, where do I start? care of placing the order. Don’t to those most in need, financial A. Our Motability adaptation forget, you can find a complete assistance applications are installers will be happy to help list of our current prices at means-tested and any help will you choose the most suitable motability.co.uk/adaptations. only be given towards your basic adaptation for your needs. mobility needs. This means that There are more than 100 Q. I need several if you are successful you will not adaptation installers across the adaptations to my car, but necessarily receive help towards UK who supply the Motability I’m worried they won’t be your preferred adaptations if a Scheme. You can find their contact fitted in time. better value alternative, that details and information about A. The MMAP is designed to take meets your needs, is available. adaptations they provide, at the worry out of ordering your For more information, call our motability.co.uk/adaptations new car. If there are any delays Customer Services team on or call 0800 093 1000. or issues along the way, your 0300 456 4566. If you’ve never driven with an dealer or adaptation installer adaptation before, it may be will let you know and if you worth visiting a Mobility Centre for currently lease a car through the an assessment – see page 19 for Motability Scheme, you will be contact details. able to stay in it until your new car is ready. Useful contacts

The Motability Scheme: War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or Motability Operations Ltd Armed Forces Independence Payment: City Gate House Veterans UK 22 Southwark Bridge Road Telephone: 0808 191 4218 London SE1 9HB veterans-uk.info Telephone: 0800 093 1000 motability.co.uk Insurance RSA Motability (RSAM) If you have specialist Minicom Telephone: 0300 037 3737 equipment, please call our text phone: 0300 037 0100 To find an installer Use the ‘Find adaptations installers’ Disability Living Allowance (DLA) tool at motability.co.uk/adaptations or Personal Independence Payment (PIP): For independent information and advice Department for Work and Pensions The Forum of Mobility Centres Telephone: 03457 123 456 Telephone: 0800 559 3636 dwp.gov.uk mobility-centres.org.uk Department for Social Development (NI) Telephone: 028 9090 6182 dsdni.gov.uk Find a choice of adaptation installers near you at motability.co.uk/adaptations. Find a choice of dealers near you at motability.co.uk/findadealer. Enter your postcode, select the dealers you would like to visit and speak to their Motability specialist to arrange an appointment. Browse our current list of cars at motability.co.uk. Our easy ‘Car Search’ will help you narrow down the types of cars you may be interested in. Or call one of our team who will be happy to help 0800 093 1000

Motability Operations Limited is the principal service provider to Motability and the Motability Scheme. Registered Office: City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HB. Registered in England and Wales. Co. No. 1373876. Motability Operations Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Calls may be recorded and monitored to improve customer service. Please note that quoted customers are not pictured. Published by Motability Operations Limited. Adapt 03/16